Box 1

Abstract This collection of personal papers provides insights into the life and naval career of George Upham Morris (1830-1875). A Naval Academy graduate, Commander Morris served in the U. S. Navy from 1830 until his death in 1875. The George U. Morris and Mary Chase Steele Morris papers comprise letters written by Morris during his active service in the American Civil War, a journal (possible from his widow, Mary Chase Steele Morris) narrating a journey to visit the United States Centennial...

Scope and Contents 1. 1861 August 8, USS Cumberland, off Boston: Love letter to Mary Chase Steele. 2. Photograph of George U. Morris. 3. 1863 May 9, Port Royal, Apalachicola Bay: Chases blockade runner but fails; reports iron-clad under construction; gunboat Chattahoochee elusive; refugees; complaints. 4. 1863 May 13, Port Royal, St. George's Sound: Waiting for the ironclad; thrill of danger; war has hardened him; remembers the sinking of the "Cumberland." 5. 1863 June 12, Port...

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Declaration for Widow's Pension in 1877 and again in 1928, with supporting documents and death notices.

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Diary describing a visit to the 1876 United States Centennial celebration.

Scope and Contents 1. 1863 June 28, Port Royal, St. George's Sound: Inspection duties; waiting for the ironclad; worries about composition of his squadron; reports of deserters; fortification of Apalachicola Bay; worries about the fighting; confesses flirtations; steamer in sight. 2. 1863 August 2, Port Royal, St. George's Sound: Beginning of the end; war with England?; speculates on foreign wars. 3. 1863 August 6-21, Port Royal, St. George's Sound: A Southern visitor; war goes badly for the...

Scope and Contents 1. 1863 October 15, Port Royal, At sea: Transferred to West Gulf squadron; false report of the "Alabama" takes him to Cuba 2. 1863 October 18, Port Royal, At sea: Travelling to New Orleans; preparation to face battle and death; confesses his love. 3. 1863 October 27, Port Royal, off Mobile Bay: Repairs; Confederate forces present. 4. 1863 October 28, Port Royal, off Mobile Bay: Assesses prospects for battle; longs for company; complains of needed repairs. 5....

Scope and Contents 1. 1863 December 14, Port Royal St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans: Increased social life 2. 1864 January 23, Port Royal, Mobile Bay: "A final parting?"; Professes true devotion; his life not as happy as it seems; marriage will follow; friendliness of southerners. 3. 1864 January 29, Port Royal, Mobile Bay: "The enemy may come out" - ends abruptly. 4. 1864 February 7, Port Royal, Mobile Bay: Confederates strengthening their positions; comments on an...